Urgent Call for Elections in Jammu and Kashmir: Supreme Court Deadline Approaches

National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi has called for urgent elections in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the Supreme Court's directive for a democratic government by September 30. Despite the approaching deadline, the Election Commission has yet to announce a schedule. Mehdi emphasized the importance of adhering to the Court's order for the spirit of democracy.

National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday called for immediate elections in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the Supreme Court's directive for a democratic government by September 30.

The Supreme Court had ordered the Election Commission to conduct elections in Jammu and Kashmir by the end of September. However, the poll panel has yet to finalize a schedule.

Participating in a debate on the Union budget in the Lok Sabha, Mehdi highlighted that only a month remains, and no steps have been taken to initiate the election process.

'I have not come here to beg for elections. The Supreme Court had directed this government to form a democratic government by September. Just one month is left, and the electoral process has not started yet,' the Srinagar MP stated.

Mehdi urged that to uphold democratic values, the Supreme Court's order must be enforced, and elections conducted promptly.

Last December, the Supreme Court endorsed the Centre's decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370, which had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and directed the restoration of its statehood 'at the earliest.' It mandated that assembly elections be held by September 30, 2024.

While announcing the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections in March, the Election Commission indicated that simultaneous assembly and parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir were unfeasible due to logistical and security challenges.

Whenever assembly elections are held, it will mark the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

(With inputs from agencies.)